Stevia, a zero-calorie sweetener helps in decreasing the intake of added sugar while still giving you the satisfaction of enjoying your favorite sweets, desserts & beverages. Stevia is healthier as compared to other substitutes of sugar and has a lot to offer. Here are some Stevia facts that will surprise you: Stevia is a shrub native to Paraguay Used by the native Gaurani Indians for more than 1500 years now, this is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the plant ‘Stevia Rebaudiana’. These leaves are dried and steeped in hot water. And then the extraction process takes place. As it is sweeter as compared to sugar, therefore only some amount is required to make your food sweet. Approved by many authorities In the year 2008, Rebaudiose compounds derived by Stevia plant was approved by FDA. In this, Coca-Cola (Cargill) and PepsiCo were also involved. Stevia is currently permitted for use in more than 60 countries globally. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have stated about Stevia. They have concluded that high-purity steviol glycosides are safe for consumption within the acceptable daily intake (ADI) level. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; Food Standards Australia New Zealand; and Health Canada, all have considered Stevia as a safe natural sugar substitute. Eco-friendly Not only is it a natural sweetener but it is also good for the environment. Stevia cultivation uses approximately one-fifth of land and less water as compared to others like cane sugar. Packaged Stevia is not always natural Although Stevia is extracted from a plant there are some companies that add more ingredients so that it has more shelf life. You have to be careful about which Stevia product you are purchasing. Stevia is available in different forms like: Stevia Leaves Stevia Powder Stevia Pellets Stevia Liquids Not all companies provide you with the right Stevia. Pure refined Stevia is created by a few providers only. You should never opt for products that have aspartame, sucrose, or other bulking agents with Stevia. Circulates blood better Stevia has a compound called Stevioside. It helps in decreasing the blood pressure and this is done by dilating and relaxing the blood vessels. Besides this, you tend to increase your visits to the loo. This is because it aids the elimination of sodium from the body by decreasing stress on the cardiovascular system. Stevia is sweeter than sugar Stevia is calorie-free but still, the sweetness of Stevia ranges from being 200-300 times sweeter than normal refined sugar. This means only a small amount is used in the food and beverages by the manufacturers. Beverages like: Diet sodas Low-sugar juices Flavored waters Canned fruits Dairy products like: Ice-cream Flavored milk Yogurt And others like baked goods, cereals, chocolate, etc. Stevia replaces sugar in baking Stevia has a high and stable temperature. This property of Stevia allows it to be a part of baking ingredients. Cookies, brownies, and cakes can be lightened up by adding Stevia. The amount of Stevia required will completely depend on the recipe. Stevia is in liquid and powdered form Stevia comes in different forms. There is a liquid that comes in drops, like vanilla extract. This can be used in baking. Another form is a fine powder that is less grainy than table sugar. Every form varies in sweetness concentration. So, carefully read the label before purchasing it. Decreases cholesterol level Supplementing your diet with 400ml of Stevia on regular basis helps in decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Also, it boosts good HDL which is important for a good lipid profile. Prevents osteoporosis Stevia has properties that help to strengthen and defend the body against osteoporosis. This is done by promoting calcium absorption in the body. There is an increase in bone mineral density and better skeletal health. Keeps gums and teeth healthy Stevia helps in protecting your pearly whites as well. This is done because it doesn’t allow the build-up of bacterial plaque, cavities, and gingivitis. This is a reason why Stevia is used in many kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes these days. Strengthens the immune system Do you know that the Stevia plant has sterols and a rich source of antioxidant compounds (kaempfero; quercetin)? A diet containing Stevia is good for your immune system and can lower the risk of infection in the body. Conclusion Now, you can satisfy your taste buds and your sugar cravings by making Stevia a part of your lifestyle. Appreciate flavors in every recipe that you cook. As always, to keep those sugar cravings at bay, use as little sweetener as possible, even when it’s from a whole food source. We find when you let those taste buds adjust to foods with less sweetness, it absolutely helps quell cravings and helps you appreciate all the other wonderful flavors in your recipe. #stevia #stevia powder #sugar substitute #natural sweetener